Minnesota Vikings: Keys to Victory vs. Green Bay Packers

The Minnesota Vikings are trying to keep their playoff hopes alive this Sunday as they take on the Green Bay Packers from Lambeau Field. Let’s take a look at this week’s ‘keys to victory’:

Jared Allen and the Defensive Line Must Get Pressure on Aaron Rodgers

This will be as crucial a part to Sunday’s contest as anything else for the Vikings. The defensive line has quieted down in recent weeks, and specifically All-Pro defensive end Jared Allen, hasn’t done much.

Other than ending a player’s season on a nasty block, Allen has been unheard from in recent weeks. He’s failed to record a sack in three straight games, and that’s a trend that needs to reverse quickly. With the Vikings on the ropes, they need any edge they can get, and Allen reeling off a three or four sack performance would be just the ticket.

Give the Ball to No. 28, and See What Happens

Adrian Peterson has been the workhorse for this team all season, and I think it’s fair to say the Vikings need him more than ever Sunday against Green Bay. Percy Harvin is likely out again, so it will be up to AP to electrify the purple and gold faithful.

I recently made a case for using Peterson more in the passing game, and I hope that’s part of the game plan come Sunday. Anyway possible, the ball needs to be in the hands of the game’s best running back.

Execution

The most basic of keys to success, but on the road in a key divisional game, with playoff hopes slipping away, the time for stupid mistakes is over. This means no penalties, no drops, and no turnovers.

The Vikings are not as talented as the Packers, it’s that simple. This team cannot stack the deck any higher against itself and expect to win. They’re dealing with several key injuries, and are down their best receiver.

With a second-year quarterback on the road, the room for error is minimal. Minnesota has to play a clean game come Sunday, it doesn’t have to be spectacular, but they can’t afford to beat themselves.

Be sure to follow the new @VikingsRant on Twitter for all the latest from the purple and gold.